Signings - how ready are you for the season 2017-18?

[Son of Cod]

It's because they've had a season smashing part time club mates.. You see it every season when the team who won the conference comes up!! Crawley achieved back to back because they spent above there means and Bristol Rovers achieved it as they were a big club for league 2 anyway, so we're able to attract the players capable of getting you out this league!

I just compare our squad that won this league last time to Lincolns squad and they are absolutely miles apart! Think they just need a reality check!

Bristol Rovers didn't win it and their starting lineup that came up from the Conference was very similar to the one that went up to League 1. I think 8/9 of them were regulars both seasons.

Yeah, good side, that.

Slade's got a lot of work to get up to that kind of average age, though!

What's Glenn Little up to these days?

 

[WH_Stag]

Well we was ready... But now one of our best signings this summer is out for a couple of months after rolling his ankle, big Binnom-Williams, which means we're looking weak on the left side! Donohue has filled in their before but I just don't trust him enough defensively, so a short term loan (If their still possible after the rule changes) at LWB would be perfect.

I also still want us to sign that midfield enforcer in Semedo, but after watching Reed, McCourt and Dimaio last night they impressed me so it wouldn't be the end of the world if we didn't sign him... Would love him to come though

Sandro Semedo? Midfield enforcer? I thought he was a winger, decent and promising but I don't think he was in orients starting 11 that often, in a side that was extremely poor. Definitely one for the future

 

[spireite]

Sandro Semedo? Midfield enforcer? I thought he was a winger, decent and promising but I don't think he was in orients starting 11 that often, in a side that was extremely poor. Definitely one for the future

 

[WH_Stag]

*Cough* Your squads mostly conference wank *Cough*

And yes i know were shit

 

[gijsbert_bos]

Still time for Raggett to leave.

Woodyard, on signing his new deal, said that he thought a jump from NL to L1 wouldn't be worth the risk for a few more pound notes and he wanted to test himself at L2 in a team and club he knows, knowing full well he'll play every week in week out and under a manager he's been with for 5 years or so at different clubs.

Not *all* footballers are money driven. There are the occasional ones who look a little more long term.

Woodyard is basically Danny Cowley's adopted son. He'll go when DC does, I reckon.

 

[Imp in Branston]

As it stands I think a top half/flirt with the play offs is realistically where we are. We still have up to 6 more to come in according to DC so depending on that quality will determine whether we have a decent chance of making the play offs or not IMO.

Keeping the majority of the side together from last season has been very important, even though it was a level below. We also managed to trim down the ones that didn't feature much so the new additions should make us a side able to compete.

Certainly won't be as easy as one or two think but with the Cowleys on board (for now) and further investments looking like coming into the club, I am hopeful this is a new chapter of success after years of dross.

 

[WH_Stag]

As it stands I think a top half/flirt with the play offs is realistically where we are. We still have up to 6 more to come in according to DC so depending on that quality will determine whether we have a decent chance of making the play offs or not IMO.

Keeping the majority of the side together from last season has been very important, even though it was a level below. We also managed to trim down the ones that didn't feature much so the new additions should make us a side able to compete.

Certainly won't be as easy as one or two think but with the Cowleys on board (for now) and further investments looking like coming into the club, I am hopeful this is a new chapter of success after years of dross.

Green, Rhead, Palmer, Waterfall, Arnold... you won't be in the playoffs.

 

[Tom_CUFC]

With the movement on the keeper front having now gone full circle for us, I think our first and second XI would currently look like (1st XI/2nd XI):

GK. Forde/Mitov
RB. Halliday/Davies
CB. Legge/Darling
CB. Coulson/Roberts
LB. Carroll/Taylor
CM. Deegan/O'Neill
CM. Osadebe/Maris
RM. Mingoia/Amoo
LM. Dunk/Elito
CAM. Berry/Lewis
ST. Ibhere/Ikpeazu

With Ade Azeez and Adam McGurk as further backup up front. Ideally we'd ship out Roberts and get another centre half in, and still think we might grab one on loan, not convinced about the left back position but they've invested in Carroll so there won't be any movement there, and I worry about our depth up front if Ibhere gets injured (which looks likely to happen at some point), but whilst you're playing one up front and you've got 4 strikers on the books it's difficult to bring in someone with sufficient quality to contest for a starting spot without offloading one (McGurk) first, and that doesn't sound likely. Midfield certainly looks like the strong point, hopefully enough there to keep O'Neill out of the side even with an injury crisis.

Wouldn't expect much more from us until the start of the season, then like everyone else we'll reassess going into the last week before the deadline.

 

[Imp in Branston]

Green, Rhead, Palmer, Waterfall, Arnold... you won't be in the playoffs.

We shall see, I said we have more of a chance of the play offs if we add extra quality with expected signings to come.

As for Mansfi£ld, I would absolutely piss myself if you bombed and didn't make any of the play off/auto spots this season (however unlikely).

 

[AmberRich]

With the movement on the keeper front having now gone full circle for us, I think our first and second XI would currently look like (1st XI/2nd XI):

GK. Forde/Mitov
RB. Halliday/Davies
CB. Legge/Darling
CB. Coulson/Roberts
LB. Carroll/Taylor
CM. Deegan/O'Neill
CM. Osadebe/Maris
RM. Mingoia/Amoo
LM. Dunk/Elito
CAM. Berry/Lewis
ST. Ibhere/Ikpeazu

With Ade Azeez and Adam McGurk as further backup up front. Ideally we'd ship out Roberts and get another centre half in, and still think we might grab one on loan, not convinced about the left back position but they've invested in Carroll so there won't be any movement there, and I worry about our depth up front if Ibhere gets injured (which looks likely to happen at some point), but whilst you're playing one up front and you've got 4 strikers on the books it's difficult to bring in someone with sufficient quality to contest for a starting spot without offloading one (McGurk) first, and that doesn't sound likely. Midfield certainly looks like the strong point, hopefully enough there to keep O'Neill out of the side even with an injury crisis.

Wouldn't expect much more from us until the start of the season, then like everyone else we'll reassess going into the last week before the deadline.

I wouldn't mind keeping Roberts , I don't think he's as bad as some of our fans think. Though I think we need a new centre back. I'm suprised we haven't gone for another one as I thought it would be one of our priorities.

As for strikers, fitness is obviously a worry. I'd like to think Uche and Jabo can both get 10+ goals this season, though that depends on injuries. If we sign Jevani Brown then that might give us some more goals as well.

 

[Kenneth E End]

With the movement on the keeper front having now gone full circle for us, I think our first and second XI would currently look like (1st XI/2nd XI):

GK. Forde/Mitov
RB. Halliday/Davies
CB. Legge/Darling
CB. Coulson/Roberts
LB. Carroll/Taylor
CM. Deegan/O'Neill
CM. Osadebe/Maris
RM. Mingoia/Amoo
LM. Dunk/Elito
CAM. Berry/Lewis
ST. Ibhere/Ikpeazu

With Ade Azeez and Adam McGurk as further backup up front. Ideally we'd ship out Roberts and get another centre half in, and still think we might grab one on loan, not convinced about the left back position but they've invested in Carroll so there won't be any movement there, and I worry about our depth up front if Ibhere gets injured (which looks likely to happen at some point), but whilst you're playing one up front and you've got 4 strikers on the books it's difficult to bring in someone with sufficient quality to contest for a starting spot without offloading one (McGurk) first, and that doesn't sound likely. Midfield certainly looks like the strong point, hopefully enough there to keep O'Neill out of the side even with an injury crisis.

Wouldn't expect much more from us until the start of the season, then like everyone else we'll reassess going into the last week before the deadline.

I'd be surprised if Cambridge were higher than mid table looking at that squad, which I suppose you'd be content with?

 

[shoddycollins]

I'd be surprised if Cambridge were higher than mid table looking at that squad, which I suppose you'd be content with?

no team with Jabo in is going to finish on the bottom half man. Give yer 'ed a wobble.

 

[PaulHaddock]

no team with Jabo in is going to finish on the bottom half man. Give yer 'ed a wobble.

You almost finished bottom with him last season.

 

[AmberRich]

I'd be surprised if Cambridge were higher than mid table looking at that squad, which I suppose you'd be content with?

If we didn't finish in the top half I'd be massively disappointed.

We managed to stay in the Playoff race last season till the final day despite not having a striker scoring more than 7 goals. I'd like to think we could be in the Playoff race again this season.

 

[Tom_CUFC]

Better starting XI than the one we finished last season with undoubtedly (if you consider that we basically didn't have Corr), the only place we've downgraded is centre back, the concerns are that half of the defence is being covered by very inexperienced youth team players, what will happen if Berry goes, and that we're likely to be short of goals again if and when Ibhere gets injured. I'm also still not convinced about the manager at all and to be honest that's probably my biggest doubt of the lot.

I've got us 11th in the table predictions, but I expect it to be similar to last season where we'll flirt with the top 7 throughout but never quite impose ourselves on it. There's usually fuck all to choose between 6th and 15th in this division so it could be anywhere in there really.

 

[gijsbert_bos]

Well. Things are looking up for the Imps. Another 3 or 4 signings and we will be alright, I reckon. That's if there's any money left in the pot after the Bostwick deal.

No doubt about it, we are officially GOING FOR IT TM

 

[Habbinalan]

Keeper sorted impressively and I'm almost ready to nail my colours to the mast. I'm still worried about possible departures but (even without Luke Berry, the White Pele) the squad, especially first 18, look an improvement on last season. We are now a good bet to deliver a double double over Lu'on, should we both slip back into the play-off places.

Most of us know what expectations were this time last year - at the Abbey and amongst our rivals. Not so different to my current optimism and we fell well short, not only due to the shocking start. I believe lessons have been learned - recruitment process has been addressed and Shaun Derry has had another year to learn his trade.

I share Tom's doubts about the Derry/Dunne combination but I wouldn't swap them for the set-up at a fair number of our promotion rivals. I bow to the unrivalled magnificence pulling Lincoln into the 21st century light but think that D & D are a better match for the club than either Nathan Jones or the old guard that have found a home at the relegated clubs, Grimsby, etc.......and I (and probably our hierarchy) could never stomach Evans and his antics.

Although I would have been happy and was expecting Mark Roberts to move on (still possible?), it was as much about the fact that he's one of our higher earners. I won't forget the role that Roberts had last season, from Newport away through to the New Year, in turning around our terrible start (and getting a few goals). I put the turnaround and performances for the rest of the season down to senior players like Legge, Roberts and Taylor, working with and facilitated by Derry, to galvanise the rest of the squad. However, he should only be a solid if expensive back up. I'm sure we need a CB of the style and quality of Wharton and that still might happen, if only as a loan. I'm hoping that Josh has recovered from his injury and Darling will play a part this season but I'll be nervous if we haven't got a new first choice partner for Legge.

Should we get our new young thrusting CB and have no significant departures (or injuries) between now and September, I might be considering top 3 as possible and top 5 as a reasonable progression. That is based not only on our recruitment but also the turnover of clubs since last year.

After all, we have I & I Riddim and Sauce available to lead the line.

 

[mowgli]

We need another centre back as cover as Pierre has joined Northampton,thought it was out of the question him signing a new contract but Ainsworth is good at finding decent central defenders and no doubt he's been looking in case this happened,someone as good as Alfie Mawson on loan would be good news.

 

[TommoCUFC]

I'd be surprised if Cambridge were higher than mid table looking at that squad, which I suppose you'd be content with?

Top half would be a good achievement with the squad we've got. Very average

 

[Frostie]

I think we're looking pretty strong at the moment, still need a few more additions though.

 

[AmberRich]

Top half would be a good achievement with the squad we've got. Very average

Interesting, why do you think that?

We've finished in the top half in the last two seasons and fairly close to the Playoffs. We've managed to keep all our key players from last season apart from Norris but then we've replaced him with Forde, who is much more experienced and had a great time with Pompey last season.

To me a lack of goals from our strikers and pace in the team were a problem for us last season, but on paper it looks like we've upgraded our strike force by bringing in Ibehre, and Azeez and Amoo should solve the pace issues.

Defence is the only position where we are currently worse off from the end of last season. But we could still solve that by signing a slightly quicker or more mobile centre back. I can't see us finishing anywhere near the top 3 but with a new centre back Playoffs are achievable, and I certainly think we should finish top half.

 

[Vanni]

Interesting, why do you think that?

We've finished in the top half in the last two seasons and fairly close to the Playoffs. We've managed to keep all our key players from last season apart from Norris but then we've replaced him with Forde, who is much more experienced and had a great time with Pompey last season.

To me a lack of goals from our strikers and pace in the team were a problem for us last season, but on paper it looks like we've upgraded our strike force by bringing in Ibehre, and Azeez and Amoo should solve the pace issues.

Defence is the only position where we are currently worse off from the end of last season. But we could still solve that by signing a slightly quicker or more mobile centre back. I can't see us finishing anywhere near the top 3 but with a new centre back Playoffs are achievable, and I certainly think we should finish top half.

Sadly, at this moment in time, I think I agree with Tommo. It's far too early to make up one's mind on our signings, and friendly matches aren't truly an indicator of potential, in fact I've often been proved wrong by players who looked class in pre-season, only to then go missing during league matches. Only last season we had Pigott who got 6 goals during pre-season, and look how it all turned out in the end. But, disregarding friendly matches for a moment, I don't reckon our signings have been that impressive bar Forde, Deegan and Jabo. Or make that at least 'on paper' they're not that impressive.

Re. Azeez and Amoo, they may be fast but are they any good? Simply being fast means zilch as we all know. Anyway, I doubt they'll feature in many games either, particularly with Derry's preferred playing system. Also have my doubts on Uche (his finishing's not good enough IMO) and Jabo's ability to stay fit as he has a tendency to get injured midway through the season.

Then we have Berry's dilemma, as we could lose him before the season starts, and of course our less than ideal back line. As much as I love Coulson he's simply not good enough, and Greg Taylor is and will never be a solid CH.

Having said that, I still believe our biggest handicap is the manager and his cautious tactical set-up. He may talk all he likes about being more adventurous but a leopard doesn't change it's spots. Get ready for more mind numbing footy and 'scraps' and 'fine lines' and defending one goal leads.

 

[Kenneth E End]

Trying to work out what our "Best XI" would be. Because at no point last season did anyone know who was playing where from 1 to 11.

I think we have the ability to play probably 3 different formations successfully: the 3-5-2 which I think would be the most effective with the players at our disposal, but also with the additions of McCormack and Shinnie would allow us to play the diamond a lot better. Also going with a relatively wide 4-3-3 could work as something different.

A lot will depend if Sibbald signs; going on his reputation he should be slotting straight in, but who would he replace?

In my opinion our best XI, playing the 3-5-2 Wingers formation:

GK Marek Stech
CB Johnny Mullins
CB Scott Cuthbert
CB Glen Rea
RWB James Justin
LWB Alan Sheehan
CM Andrew Shinnie
CM Alan McCormack
CM Pelly Ruddock
CF Danny Hylton
CF James Collins

Subs
GK James Shea
LB Dan Potts - on the bench ahead of Stacey because he's a left footed option should there be an injury to a defender.
CM Olly Lee - based on performances this pre season and the back end of last season.
CM Luke Gambin
RM Lawson D'Ath
CF Isaac Vassell
CF Elliot Lee

Pretty strong team that. A slight concern would be the depth on the bench, but that said at least two of those names would be disappointed they wouldn't be in that best 11.

 

[huddsmoose]

I'm with Tommo and Vanni.

Our attacking midfield in a 4-2-3-1 is amongst or even the best in the division - Berry, Dunk, Mingoia, with Elito, Maris, Lewis and Amoo in reserve. But that almost doesn't matter as Derryball sees them bypassed more often than not.

Our defence is creaky - neither left back is good enough, Legge is starting to show his age and we have no adequate partner for him.

A lot rests on Deegan and Osadebe being good and Uche/Jabo staying fit and grabbing enough goals.

For the past two years we've had the start of a promising squad and a decent budget, but recruitment has been awful.

 

[AmberRich]

I think we all agree the defence we have currently looks leaky and is a concern this season.

We haven't made any wow signings like Luton or Mansfield or even Lincoln have made, but we don't usually do that. The last time we did was probably when we signed Corr or Berry. That said we've made some solid signings (Deegan, Ibehre, Forde) and then some punts (Azeez, Amoo, Osadebe, Mitov). We already had a decent squad before the transfer window and the priorities for me were to get a tough defensive midfielder, a centre back, a striker, and to just improve the overall depth of the squad. The only thing we haven't done is get a centre back.

We still lack a 20 goal a season striker, but I do think we've improved that position. The 4 strikers we have lost scored about 4 goals in the league and cup competitions last season. Looking at the the strikers we have brought in, Ibehre is aging but scored about 14 goals last season so that's an improvement already. Azeez, only scored twice in Scotland last season but last time he played in League 2 he scored 7, I imagine he will just be used as a backup or an impact sub like at Wimbledon. Uche isn't the finished article yet, and I think there is a lot more to come from him.

Our midfield looks good to me. Though we will have to wait and see if Osadebe can work well with Deegan.

The Derry issue is still pretty divisive amongst U's fans. I don't seem to be as concerned with him as you three are so perhaps that's why I'm slightly more optimistic. With the squad we currently have and the resources Derry has at his disposal not finishing in the top half would be a clear failure.

If we can improve the defence before the window ends then I don't see why we couldn't get into the Playoffs. We'll have to wait and see.

 

[Luke Imp]

I can't remember what it was, but there was something DC said during this pre-season that made me think we'd not be seeing as much of Rhead this season. He'll still play a decent amount I think, but not 55 or so games again.

Anyway, our team in a 4-4-2 will probably be:

Farman

Long
Waterfall
Raggett
Habergham

JMD
Woodyard
Boswtick
Arnold

Rhead
Green

We also seem to be having a look at 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3, which hasn't got Rhead in:

Farman

Long
Waterfall
Raggett
Habergham

Woodyard
Bostwick

JMD
Knott
Arnold

Green

-----------------------------

IMO, we need a first choice RB. I'm not as convinced by Long as some people, and having missed out on Laurie Wilson it's obvious that DC wants someone better than Long despite saying he'll be our first choice. I'd be amazed if that happens past August.

We also still need a back-up LB. Habergham's currently recovering from an op, so we've only had trialists playing in that position this pre-season so far.

Another ST is needed, maybe two and a CB to allow Howe to go out on loan and get some game time.

 

[Habbinalan]

I seem to be in broad agreement with fellow U's in assessing our strengths and weaknesses - although I try to be a glass half-full type of fellah. Our defence may be diminished without Wharton (he only played 9 games) or similar. We may have a few less goals from midfield IF Luke Berry moves on (but he did miss half his penalties and it would bring in a bit more cash). We actually have some strikers worthy of the name. We could have a cracking midfield, (even without Luke) provided the current version of Liam O'Neil is banished to somewhere like the SPL or he becomes our third choice right back until whatever our recruitment team saw in him is revealed.

Where we part ways is in our assessment of the opposition.

I may be over influenced by some of the doom-mongers on here but I think we've gone from a league with 4 or 5 strong squads, at least 4 basket cases on and off the field and the rest inconsistent performers who neither deserved promotion nor relegation but could regularly beat us, especially at home. I think we now have an even more closely matched bunch with fewer outliers. We've improved (especially if defence has one addition), collectively the Division probably hasn't - except at the bottom.

Specifically, L2 doesn't seem to have the same level of off field issues as we had at the likes of Orient, Hartlepool, the Counties and Morecambe - so the relegation choices seem more difficult. However, we've lost 4 clubs with big budgets and/or decent squads and/or decent managers. I don't see the 6 newcomers offering any greater threat than the 4 promoted sides if they'd stayed down. Like us, some around us have improved, notably Luton and Mansfield. Notts County and Crewe have probably got their second wind.

Play offs is a reasonable expectation and if we're not in the top 10 at Xmas I'll finally get off the fence and agree it's Derry's fault.

 

[mtfc26]

As much as I love Matt Green he is just not effective on his own either got to play him with Rheady or your "number 10" has got to be pushed right up.

He can play up top on his own and he will run all day he just won't get more than 12 goals.

 

[Luke Imp]

That's how we played last season with Rhead as the number 10 but always close to the main striker.

 

[Judge Dredd]

Trying to work out what our "Best XI" would be. Because at no point last season did anyone know who was playing where from 1 to 11.

I think we have the ability to play probably 3 different formations successfully: the 3-5-2 which I think would be the most effective with the players at our disposal, but also with the additions of McCormack and Shinnie would allow us to play the diamond a lot better. Also going with a relatively wide 4-3-3 could work as something different.

A lot will depend if Sibbald signs; going on his reputation he should be slotting straight in, but who would he replace?

He'd replace one of the centre backs in your line-up I imagine. If Sibbald signs we will be playing the diamond as Plan A for sure. McCormack holding, Sibbald and Pelly in the middle, Shinnie as the 10. Tough call on who partners Cuthbert.

If Sibbald doesn't sign I am inclined to agree that 3-5-2 is our best option, but it seems that in pre-season we have exclusively played the diamond so I guess that is the favoured option regardless. Although to be fair Sheehan hasn't been available and Musonda has had to fill in as a right back in JJ's injured absence so maybe not reflective.

Can't see Sheehan playing as a wing back this season though. Left centre back in a back three suits him, he's definitely behind Potts and Senior as a full back option now though, the role is too physically demanding for him in Jones's systems.

Pretty strong team that. A slight concern would be the depth on the bench, but that said at least two of those names would be disappointed they wouldn't be in that best 11.

You serious? At least 5 out of the 7 you listed on that bench walk into the vast majority of first XIs in this league. As would Stacey who you didn't list. I think our squad depth is great this season, two players for pretty much every position that are very capable at this level, apart from midfield perhaps where we lack a bit of quality outside of the starters.